In response to a series of successful attacks by Ukrainian forces on the Russian Black Sea fleet, the Kremlin has announced the replacement of Adm. Alexander Moiseyev as the acting commander in chief of the Russian Navy. This announcement was made official during celebrations marking Submariner Day in Kronshtadt.
Adm. Moiseyev, born on April 16, 1962, in Borskoye, Kaliningrad region, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has served extensively in nuclear submarines of the Northern Fleet, holding various positions from combat element group engineer to missile submarine commander and submarine forces commander.
In recognition of his courage and heroism in the line of duty, Adm. Moiseyev was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation in 2011, along with two orders of courage and several other awards and medals.
Adm. Moiseyev replaces Adm. Nikolay Yevmenov, whose future had been subject to speculation due to Russia’s recent losses in the Black Sea. Ukrainian attacks, particularly involving underwater drones, have targeted and disabled a significant portion of the Russian Black Sea fleet. These successes have allowed Ukraine to open a maritime corridor for exporting grain and other commodities, while also symbolically challenging Russia’s control over Crimea.
In response to these losses, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered efforts to fortify the Black Sea Fleet, acknowledging vulnerabilities exploited by Ukrainian forces. Adm. Moiseyev’s appointment signals the Kremlin’s determination to address these challenges and strengthen Russia’s naval capabilities in the Black Sea.
The timing of Adm. Moiseyev’s appointment and the circumstances surrounding Adm. Yevmenov’s departure remain unclear, reflecting the opaque nature of Russia’s military politics.